Calais refugee crisis: Freight companies warn of 'grave' consequences

Desperation: refugees in Calais try to scale the perimeter fence to get nearer to the waiting trains AFP/Getty Images

Freight companies have warned of "grave" consequences unless security is tightened in Calais amid ongoing concerns about the refugee crisis.

Eurotunnel has lifted a suspension on British-bound goods trains passing through the tunnel, which started over the Bank Holiday weekend, one of the busiest times of the year for passenger travel.

Up to 10 trains a night were prevented from delivering goods to Britain, affecting the delivery of steel and cars which are often transported using rail freight services.

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) and DB Schenker, a leading freight operator, have now called for improved security in Calais as it emerged most refugees are now trying to board trains outside of the Channel Tunnel perimeter.

"Without these the consequences for the future of international rail freight will be very grave. Our customers cannot and will not wait whilst the UK and French authorities debate what might be done and by when.

"I cannot stress too much the importance for UK business of international rail freight services returning to normal as soon as possible."

Chris McRae, the FTA's manager of rail freight policy, said: "While the volume by freight trains is comparatively small, users of freight train services are from specific industries where rail freight is more suitable than road freight.

"It's not been a security issue with the tunnel itself. It's a security issue with one of the yards."

The suspension did not affect Eurostar's passenger service - which was targeted by migrants overnight - or Eurotunnel's lorry shuttle trains, while French-bound freight were also unaffected.